Process and system for processing cherry pits

ABSTRACT

A processing system for cleaning, washing, drying, and sorting cherry pits. Once the pits are removed from the cherries, they are washed, scrubbed, and cleaned. Any excess water is removed from them and the pits are then thoroughly dried. Any partial or broken pits are removed, as well as any metal impurities. The cleaned and dried whole cherry pits can then be inserted into bags or containers and included in a therapeutic product, such as a cushion, U-shaped neck device, or a huggable stuffed animal character.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to U.S. patent application SerNo. ______ entitled “Therapeutic Products Containing Cherry Pits” andwhich is filed on the same day as the present application (Docket No.CHRY 0101 PUS). The subject matter and disclosure of said U.S. patentapplication Ser No. ______ is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] Moreover, priority of the subject matter of the presentapplication is based on pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.60/144,300, filed on Jul. 16, 1999, the disclosure of which is alsohereby incorporated by reference therein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to systems and processes forpreparing cherry pits for further use in consumer and therapeuticproducts and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] There are numerous products known today which, when heated orcooled, can be used for therapeutic purposes. These products includevarious pads, cushions, and compresses, typically filled with asynthetic material. Some of these products can be heated in an oven ormicrowave, while others can be cooled in a refrigerator or freezer, inorder to provide various therapeutic benefits.

[0005] Therapeutic products which use natural ingredients, or which canbe used in either a heated or cooled manner, are not well-known andoften are very expensive. Also, these products generally do not retaintheir temperature (whether hot or cold) for a sufficient length of time.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for therapeutic-type products which usemore natural ingredients, such as cherry pits, which are biodegradable.There also is a need for therapeutic-type products which can be eitherheated or cooled, as desired, in order to provide the appropriatebenefit, and which can retain their temperatures for a longer period oftime.

[0007] When cherry pits or other natural ingredients are used for suchproducts, there is a need for an improved and beneficial process andprocessing system for cleaning, washing, drying, and sorting the pits.There also is a need for environmental friendly processing systems whichdo not use or generate byproducts or waste products which may be harmfulto the environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a unique and beneficial system andprocess for preparation and use of cherry pits in consumer products,particularly for therapeutic use. The processed cherry pits are enclosedin a bag or container and positioned in a final product in order toprovide a therapeutic-type product. The unique processing system cleans,washes, dries, and sorts the cherry pits in an optimum and efficientmanner in order to allow them to be utilized in the products. With thepresent process, the cherry pits are processed without the formation ofenvironmental harmful waste or byproducts.

[0009] In accordance with the process, the cherry pits are first removedfrom the cherry fruit with traditional pitting mechanisms. The pits arethen washed and dried in a hydrosieve or centrifuge mechanism. Excesspulp and fruit from the pits is removed by a brush and abradermechanism, and the scrubbed pits are discharged to a dryer. The dryingmechanism retains the pits for a certain length of time and at certaintemperatures in order to remove the requisite amount of moisture.

[0010] Once the pits are dried, they are sent to a shaking/vibratingapparatus in order to separate the whole pits from the half and partialpits. The cleaned, whole, dried pits are then discharged from theshaking/vibrating mechanism and preferably passed through a metaldetector to remove any unwanted and undesirable metal particles that maybe included with the pits.

[0011] Once the cherry pits are dried and separated, they can be storedin large containers for later usage or utilized directly in thetherapeutic products. For use in the products, the cherry pits arepositioned in mesh-type bags or containers. Preferably, the mesh-typematerial is a flame retardant polyester knit material. The bags can beof different sizes depending on the use of the cherry pits and theproduct in which the bag of cherry pits is to be positioned. Further,the bag or container also can have a mildew-resistant coating on it inorder to prevent the formation of mildew and associated odors.

[0012] The bags or containers of cherry pits are then inserted inside aproduct, such as a cushion. In this regard, the product can be an animalcharacter, such as a stuffed-type animal, a pillow or cushion, or ashaped product allowing therapeutic use thereof on an appropriateportion of a person's body, such as a U-shaped device for the neck. Theproduct also can have a zippered opening in order to allow the bag orcontainer of cherry pits to be removed when desired.

[0013] The cushion or outer product can be made of a woven or non-wovenfabric, and be either natural or synthetic. The material also preferablyhas a flame-retardant coating, as well as a waterproof and anti-yeastprotection on it.

[0014] These and other features, attributes, and benefits of theinvention will become apparent from the following description of theinvention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart illustrating theprincipal steps of the cherry pit processing system;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cherry pit processing system;

[0017]FIG. 3A depicts a bag or container filled with cherry pits;

[0018]FIG. 3B illustrates an outer covering or cushion for use with thebag of cherry pits as shown in FIG. 3A;

[0019]FIG. 4A is a generally U-shaped bag or container filled withcherry pits;

[0020]FIG. 4B illustrates a generally U-shaped outer bag or product inwhich the bag of cherry pits shown in FIG. 4A is utilized;

[0021]FIG. 5A illustrates a representative “stuffed” animal character inwhich a bag or container of cherry pits is utilized; and

[0022]FIG. 5B is a rear view of the animal character shown in FIG. 5A.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0023] As indicated above, the present invention provides a unique andbeneficial method and system for processing cherry pits, as well asunique and beneficial products in which the processed cherry pits areutilized. In general, the processing system includes the cleaning anddrying of the cherry pits, while the subsequent use of the cherry pitsincludes positioning them in bags or other containers and then insertingthe bags or containers into other products of particular shapes forparticular therapeutic uses.

[0024]FIGS. 1 and 2 generally depict a preferred process for processingthe cherry pits. The flow chart which shows the principal steps isindicated by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1, while a schematicdiagram of the various structures and facilities for the processing isreferred to generally by the reference numeral 12 in FIG. 2.

[0025] As a first step, the cherries are harvested from the cherrytrees. This is shown by Box No. 14 in FIG. 1, as well as therepresentative of a cherry tree 16 shown in FIG. 2. The cherriesthemselves are indicated by reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2.

[0026] Once the cherries are harvested, the pits are removed from them.This is shown by Box 20 in FIG. 1. The pits are typically removed by aconventional pitting mechanism, such as a Dunkley pitter. The pittingprocess is done in a factory or facility 22. Typically, the pits areinjected into a pit tube of the pitter and washed with water into a pitdrain that flumes the pits with water from the plant to a pump. Thewashing of the pits at that time or immediately thereafter is shown byBox 24 in FIG. 1 and by the schematic diagram of a washing mechanism ofconventional type 26 in FIG. 2. In this regard, at this time, excesswater can be removed from the pits after they are washed. This is shownin the alternative by Box 28 in FIG. 1 and illustrated schematically byreference numeral 30 in FIG. 2. Also, the washing mechanism 26 isdepicted in FIG. 2 in a plant or facility 32.

[0027] In order to remove the water from the pits, the pits can bepumped to a hydrosieve. The hydrosieve separates the pits from thewater. The hydrosieve typically does not have any moving parts and workswith gravity. As the water and pits flow over the sieve portion of thehydrosieve, the water flows through the opening while the pits pass overthe top and are discharged into a separate tank.

[0028] As the next step in the process, any excess material or fruitfrom the cherries is removed from the pits. It is necessary to clean andremove this material so that it does not decay and cause an odor in thefinal products. This step is shown by Box 34 in FIG. 1. Also, a cleaningmechanism is shown generally by the apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 by thereference numeral 36. The cleaning mechanism can be any conventionalabrading or scrubbing mechanism which removes particles from variousproducts. Preferably, the mechanism is a Lansingcamp Model B, whichutilizes brushes and a wire mesh belt or screen. The pits are positionedonto a conveyor belt, such as a wire mesh conveyer belt, and deliveredinto the finishing mechanism. The brushes rotate against the screen andclean the pulp from the cherry pits as they pass through the device. Thecleaning mechanism removes excess water from the cherry pits at the sametime. The pits are discharged at the end of the cleaning mechanism 36while the debris and water are discharged in a conventional manner.

[0029] The removal of excess water from the pits is depicted by Box 38in FIG. 1. A blower can also be used for this purpose.

[0030] Preferably, no detergents or toxic materials of any type areutilized in the processing of the cherry pits. In this manner, noenvironmental harmful waste or byproducts are produced.

[0031] Once the pits are scrubbed and cleaned, they are transported ordischarged to a drying and further finishing mechanism and/or facility.The travel or transportation of the pits to the drying mechanism isrepresented by Box 40 in FIG. 1. The drying of the pits in a dryingmechanism is indicated by Box 42 in FIG. 1. A representative dryingmechanism or facility is indicated by the reference numeral 44 in FIG.2. In this regard, the cleaned cherry pits 25 are positioned on a movingconveyor belt, preferably of a wire mesh type 46, and passed through adryer or drying mechanism 44 in which a heating mechanism 48 ispositioned. The heating step and mechanism thoroughly dry the cherrypits. In this regard, the length of time that the pits are in the dryingmechanism and the temperature of the drying mechanism are regulated inorder to control the amount that the cherry pits are dried and thequality of the final product. In this regard, it is preferred that thepits be dried as much as possible in order to remove any residualmoisture which would prevent future formation of mildew or condensationonce the pits are positioned in a product.

[0032] For the drying step, the cherry pits could also be dried in anindustrial microwave mechanism, or in a large grain dryer, both of whichare conventional mechanisms currently in use for other purposes.

[0033] The drying mechanism should also preferably have a low humidity,preferably less than 15 percent humidity. It is desirable to remove asmuch liquid from the cherry pits as possible in order to reducecondensation and potential mildew problems in the final products.

[0034] The dried pits are then discharged into or transported from thedrying facility or mechanism 44 onto a shaking/vibrating table 50 wherethe whole pits are separated from the broken and partial pieces. This isshown by Box 52 in FIG. 1. A conventional shaker table can be utilizedto separate the whole pits from the partial and broken pits. Shakermechanisms typically have tables with wire meshes or holes in them ofvarious sizes in order to sift through and separate small pieces fromlarger ones. A gentle vibration of the table can separate the wholecherry pits from the partial and broken ones without damaging any of thewhole pits.

[0035] The broken and partial pieces of cherry pits are discarded in aconventional manner. This is shown in Box 54. Thereafter, the pits areutilized in various products. This is shown in Box 56 of FIG. 1 andillustrated by products 60A, 60B, and 60C in FIG. 2.

[0036] Once the whole pits are separated, they are passed through ametal detector in order to remove any metal impurities which may havebeen included in the pits during the processing. An electromagnet can beused for this purpose. This is shown by Box 55 in FIG. 1.

[0037] Prior to being utilized directly in the various products, it isalso possible for the cherry pits to be stored in large containers orbatches until they are needed. In the product manufacturing facility,the cherry pits can be transported from a large central storagecontainer or tank through hoses or the like and inserted in themesh-type bags.

[0038]60A illustrates a generally U-shaped product which can be utilizedaround the arm, leg, or neck of a wearer. 60B depicts a representativestuffed-type animal in which the cherry pits can be utilized. 60Cdepicts a cushion in which the cherry pits can be utilized.

[0039] The products shown in FIG. 2, and further illustrated in FIGS.3A-5B, are merely representative of all of the various products in whichthe cherry pits can be utilized. Thus, the present invention is not tobe limited to the specific products shown. The description of the use ofthe products with reference to product 60A, 60B, 60C, is furtherdescribed with reference to FIGS. 3A-5B.

[0040] In order to be utilized in products, the cherry pits are firstinserted or included in a bag or container 62. Bag or container 62 isthen inserted into an outer bag or other product, such as cushion bag60C shown in FIG. 3B.

[0041] The bag 62 shown in FIG. 3A is a bag preferably made of amesh-type material 64. Also, the material is preferably a flameretardant polyester knit material. The cherry pits 25 are included inthe bag and preferably the bag 62 is sewn or otherwise secured togetherholding the pits 25 inside of it. The mesh material allows the cherrypits 25 to “breathe” to a limited extent, and the flame-retardantmaterial allows the bag to be heated in a microwave or oven in order toprovide therapeutic usage of the cherry pits.

[0042] If the bags are made of a polyester knit material, they can beprovided of a tubular knit. Once the tubular material is cut to lengthand inspected for flaws and/or runs, one end is permanently closed inany conventional manner. The cleaned and dried cherry pits are insertedinto the open end of the bags and that end is then closed permanentlycapturing the cherry pits.

[0043] The outer cushion or bag 60C, as shown in FIG. 3B, can be madefrom leather or any other material. For a cushion, the bag 60C can besquare (as illustrated), round, or any other shape as desired.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3B, the outer cushion product 60C has a bodyportion 70 and a flap member 72 attached thereto. An opening 74 is usedfor insertion of the bag 62 of cherry pits 25. The opening 74 also canbe closed in any conventional manner, such as by a zipper 76. In thismanner, once the bag 62 is inserted in the opening 74 in the cushion60C, and the opening is closed, the flap 72 is pulled down to cover theopening.

[0045] Preferably, the material 78 forming the bag or cushion product60C is also made from a flame-retardant material. The inside of thefabric can be laminated with a flame-retardant polyurethane coating.Preferably, the coating is also mildew and yeast resistant. The fabricforming the bag 60C should also be water resistant.

[0046] The material should meet the Consumer Products Safety CommissionJuvenile Toy Standards for colorfastness, flame retardancy, toxicity,impact, torque, tension, compression and bite. One material which meetsthese standards is the polyester suede material from Fab Industries,Inc.

[0047] Another product in which the cleaned and processed cherry pitscan be used is a U-shaped product 60A shown in FIG. 4B. For thisproduct, a generally U-shaped inner bag member 80 is utilized. The bag80 is made from a mesh, flame-retardant fabric and holds a appropriatesupply of cherry pits 25. The inner bag 80 is then inserted into theouter bag or product 60A, preferably through a zippered opening alongone side or edge 82 (not shown).

[0048] Another use of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.The bag 62 of cherry pits 25 can be used in a stuffed animal, such asthe stuffed bear 60B. Of course, it is understood that any type ofanimal character can be used for this purpose.

[0049] In order to allow insertion and removal of the bag or container62 from the stuffed animal character 60B, an opening 84 is provided. Theopening 84 can be sewn closed or closed in any other conventionalmanner. For example, a zipper 86 can be provided, as well as a flapmember 88 used to cover the zipper once it is zipped up with the bag 62positioned inside the animal or character 60B.

[0050] For therapeutic use of the product, it can be heated or cooled asdesired. For example, the products with the cherry bag inside, such asproducts 60A, 60B, and 60C described above, can be inserted into an ovenor microwave for a period of time in order to heat the cherry pits to anappropriate warm temperature. Thereafter, the warmth from the cherrypits and the products can then be used therapeutically to soothe stiffmuscles, tired or weary limbs, or remove stresses caused by the user'sdaily routine. The pit-filled cushion or product provides prolongedwarmth and soothing comfort. The penetrating warmth soothes body achesand calms senses. For children, the warmth can provide soothing comfortwhile they are resting. The product also is portable and versatile.

[0051] For a microwave oven, the heating time will vary depending on theparticular microwave used. However, the product with the cherry pits init should be placed on a non-metal plate for approximately 30-45 secondson a “high” setting (700 watts). In a traditional oven, the cherry pitproduct should be placed in a heat resistant dish. The product should beput in pre-heated oven at approximately 250-260° F. (130° C.) forapproximately three minutes. The warm-up time can be lengthened ifnecessary and as desired.

[0052] The present invention can also be utilized as a cooledtherapeutic product. In this regard, the bags of cherry pits, or theproducts themselves, can be positioned in a refrigerator or freezer foran appropriate length of time in order to achieve a cold or chilledstate. Thereafter, the product can be applied to a pulled or achingmuscle or other spot as desired in order to provide a therapeuticbenefit to it.

[0053] In a freezer, the product with the cherry pits in it can beinserted directly into the freezer for approximately three to four hoursor until sufficiently chilled. Thereafter, it can be used the same asany traditional ice pack.

[0054] With the present invention, the soothing heat or comfortingcoolness will be retained for one hour or more in the cherry pits. Thisallows lengthy use of the product for its therapeutic benefit.

[0055] As a result, the cushion with the cherry pits inside of it can beused to apply hot or cold compresses to small children and babies inorder to relieve pain or just to provide comfort. Since the applicationof warm or cold compresses to small children and babies is oftendifficult, and particularly difficult to keep in position, the shape andmaterial for the products 60A, 60B, and 60C are provided so that thechildren will want to “cuddle” them and thus put it on the locationwhere it is needed and keep it there for its purpose.

[0056] Finally, since the cherry pits are biodegradable, the productscan be easily disposed of when no longer needed or utilized.

[0057] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the inventionbe limited only in terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for cleaning and drying cherry pitscomprising: washing the cherry pits after they have been removed fromthe cherries; scrubbing the cherry pits to remove remaining cherry pulp;removing excess water from the cherry pits; drying the cherry pits at anelevated temperature; separating whole cherry pits from broken andpartial pits; and transporting the whole cherry pits for further usage.2. The process as recited in claim 1 further comprising removing anymetal impurities from the cherry pits.
 3. The process as recited inclaim 1 wherein the drying step comprises passing the cherry pitsthrough a drying oven.
 4. The process as recited in claim 1 wherein thescrubbing step comprises brushing the cherry pits with brushes.
 5. Theprocess as recited in claim 1 wherein the step of removing excess waterfrom the cherry pits comprises passing the cherry pits through ahydrosieve.
 6. The process as recited in claim 1 further comprisingtransporting the cherry pits between at least two of the processingsteps by a conveying mechanism.
 7. The process as recited in claim 1wherein the separating step comprises placing the cherry pits on ashaking/vibrating mechanism to separate whole cherry pits from brokenand partial cherry pits.
 8. A system for processing cherry pitscomprising: a washing mechanism for washing the cherry pits; a scrubbingmechanism for cleaning any residue cherry pulp from the pits; a waterremoving means for removing excess water from the pits; a heatingmechanism for drying the pits at an elevated temperature; and a shakermechanism for separating whole pits from partial and broken pits.